Chronic effect of the combinations of resistance exercises with static stretching exercises on flexibility levels in trained men

Aim of the study was to investigate the effects of eight weeks of strength training, conducted with and without static stretching exercises (before and between sets of resistance exercises) on the flexibility in trained men. Thirty subjects were randomly divided in three experimental groups: static stretching before resistance exercises (SSBRE); static stretching between sets of resistance exercises (SSBSRE); and strength training without static stretching (ST). A 3 (groups) X 2 (time) ANCOVA was performed and did not show any significant difference for the comparisons between the groups. For the analysis within groups, the results showed significant changes, between measurements times on the range of motion only on the horizontal adduction of the shoulder (20.12%, 12.46% and -8.56%, SSBRE, SSBSRE and ST, respectively), horizontal flexion with the knee joint flexed (8.04%, 2,39% and 6.35%, SSBRE, SSBSRE and ST, respectively) and medial rotation of the hip (0.48%, 28.30% and 8.79%, SSBRE, SSBSRE and ST, respectively). No significant interactions were observed between measurements times and groups. Based on the present results, the flexibility of trained men increases on some shoulder movements with the used of SSBRE and SSBSRE and increases on some hip joint movements independently of the experimental protocols used.